Those were the days

<b>Photo courtesy Eagle County Historical Society and</b>Onlookers stand on the bank to watch men clean up wreckage from a train that derailed near the depot (at right) in Eagle during the 1930s. The houses at left are off Brooks Lane today.

For the second time, the Gypsum Planning Commission recommended denial for a proposed 400-unit residential development on 150 acres located south of town.

Newly elected Eagle County Commissioner James Johnson held a press conference to state he would not resign his position. Following his election, Johnson's past issues regarding back taxes, delinquent child support payments and drug use came to light.

The Eagle Valley Rod and Gun Club was having problems with vandalism at its gun range northwest of Gypsum.

After the Colorado Division of Wildlife documented the deaths of 119 deer on Interstate 70 during the period between Oct. 5 and March 18, fence construction was being planned along the north side of the highway.

Eagle Mayor John Hirz was the master of ceremonies for the dedication of the new Eagle Post Office, located at 318 Broadway. Chamber of Commerce President Denny Eaton gave a speech, complimenting the progressive spirit of the town, evidenced by the new building. Beth Byers was the Eagle Postmaster.

The American Legion Post in Gypsum marked its 42nd birthday. The first post commander was Frank H. Doll. The Post was in the process of re-building because its original "hut," built in 1922, was destroyed by fire in December 1962.

A local 4-H group called "Gertie's Cooking Club" held its first meeting. Lisa Shelton was elected president. Other club officers included vice president Jean Clark, secretary Debra Dice, treasurer Joetta Randall, reporter Susan Chandler and song leader Vicki Burr.

Week of March 12, 1953

In service news, the Enterprise reported that Taps Reynolds of Edwards had returned from Korea and was at Camp Carson waiting for his discharge. George Gates of Burns was assigned as a radar operator for the 39th Anti-Aircraft Battalion in England. His wife, Marge, was a surgical nurse at the Meeker Hospital. Norman Morgan had recently graduated from the non-commissioned officers academy in Korea.

The four active American Legion Posts in Eagle County were observing the national organization's 34th birthday. Locally, the Battle Mountain Post, the Eagle River Valley Post, the Yarmony Post and the Lucksinger Post had a total of 214 active members.

Bob Mayne, Carl Pallister and Pete Nolan represented Eagle County High School at the Future Farmers of America State Livestock Judging Meet. Frank Lovisone and Verne Albertson represented the school in the mechanics contest.

The Castle Peak Chapter of the Izaak Walson League started clearing sage brush for a rifle range about two miles west of Gypsum.

Week of March 12, 1943

Members of the Eagle County Civilian Defense Council - Judge William H. Luby, Forrest Cave, Ralph Belding, Dexter Lillie, George White, Fannie Gamble, Rhoda Yoder, Kathleen O'Rourke, Frances Stanley and Marilla McCain - paid a visit to the Red Cliff Town Board to assist that community in its civil defense organization.

The Eagle Grade School basketball team placed first in the county tournament. Players included Fred Fessenden, Lynn Randall, Wayne Cowden, Walter Lieber and Lloyd Winter.

Week of March 10, 1933

The Colorado governor declared a "banking holiday." The action shut down banking activity from Saturday to Wednesday. J.D. Allen of the First Bank of Eagle County was anxious to re-open for business, stating that the local operation was in a strong position to do business.

The Eagle Market, noting that jigsaw puzzles were "quite the fad," offered home delivery service for groceries so that busy puzzle-solvers wouldn't have to leave their homes.